I've heard that you cant put it right on your scalp because it might dry your scalp out more. So I'm kinda scared about using it. I really wanna try it because I have bad build up and I need to try something else without using sulfates or going to the doctor.

Tea tree oil helped clear my scalp out right away and got rid of all of my buildup and "dry scalp" that I was suffering from co-washing with As I Am.

The reason I was inspired to try it is because my brother had terrible skin problems in high school. He had what is known as combination type skin in which he'd break out but then the drugstore acne treatments and creams we'd get him were so harsh on his skin. They'd dry it out completely and make the problem worse because then his skin would overproduce oil to compensate and, voila, more acne. I did some research for him back then and found out that tea tree oil is good for both the overproduction and underproduction of oil. His face was simultaneously super dry and rather oily and that's what was causing his breakouts. Once he started applying tea tree oil topically on a daily basis his skin calmed down. He still has some in his bathroom years later.

So when my scalp was freaking out on me, (and it was burning, I mean, unbearably itchy), I realized that I needed to reset my sebum production. It was normal before CG, and I had to get it back on track. So I try and do a tea tree treatment at least once a week or once every two weeks. Tea tree oil is so good for the scalp. It's quite cleansing and helps stimulate hair growth/get rid of buildup/fight dry or oily scalp by unclogging the hair follicle. I know some people add it to their shampoo but it's already in my co-wash of choice so I don't have to bother.

so you put the oil right on without mixing it? im scared to do that. can I mix it with a shampoo or my cowash conditioner? how many drops do you put in them for those who mix? I would use the trader joe's tea tree tingle as a cowash but it has a protein in it. wheat dries my hair out bad.

Of course you can mix it. It's perfectly safe to apply topically by the way. I did my research ages ago when it came to my little brother, who I love very much and would not want to steer wrong. I promise. You shouldn't worry. When I was fed up with my buildup/dry scalp situation with As I Am Co-wash, I did one last brown sugar scrub to get rid of excess buildup and dry skin.

Then like I said in my other post I took 6-8 q-tips. Dipped either side of them in tea tree oil. (I get mine in these little bottles from Trader Joes. It's pure TTO.) Then I have a dixie cup filled shallowly with water. I redip the q-tip ends in there really fast to dilute it. Then I bring the saturated q-tip ends and apply directly to the scalp, going in in between the hair at my crown, and I give myself a scalp massage using the ends. Any area that feels particularly itchy seems to calm down immediately upon application of the oil. Soft, soothing, circular motions. Try to get the entire scalp although there will be areas (particularly around the hair part, I've found) that are dryer than others. I know it sounds strange but I don't have any more flakes, dry scalp or itching. Nada. And I was really suffering last month. I couldn't sleep from the itching and burning. I thought my scalp was "healing" and that was the cause of the dry scalp but nope, it was just buildup from my AIA.

The thing about conditioner is it is a penetrating product. It's designed to be retained and to sit there. So if you're co-washing exclusively or mostly you have to be mindful of the ingredients. Certain emollients, oils, alcohols, or preservatives will sit there and irritate your skin. You have to massage and rinse vigorously, yes, but you also have to choose wisely. So find a co-wash that will not irritate you and use that on your scalp. If another conditioner is wonderful on your hair and not on the scalp then by all means, apply that conditioner to your hair and your hair only. 2/3 of the way down, skipping the crown. Don't let it touch the scalp. Scalp and hair are different things. Co-washing can be great for the hair and bad for the scalp. So it's all about finding a balance. You should try adding a few drops of TTO to your shampoo or co-wash of choice and see if that makes a difference. If not, try the TTO topical treatment before you shower then do a refreshing water rinse right afterwards and before you co-wash (again the hair, not the scalp). It feels so good when that warm water hits your scalp and opens up the pores so the tea tree oil you've just applied can sort of tap in. For me it's highly refreshing. That's why I still do it every week even though my scalp calmed down right away. I believe it helps keep things in balance.

so you put the oil right on without mixing it? im scared to do that. can I mix it with a shampoo or my cowash conditioner? how many drops do you put in them for those who mix? I would use the trader joe's tea tree tingle as a cowash but it has a protein in it. wheat dries my hair out bad.

Originally Posted by hambo02

It has soy protein but not wheat. Wheat dries me out really badly too. . . However the soy doesn't seem to bother me. But you absolutely don't have to use this one. Get a protein free co-wash and add the TTO to that.

o wow im gonna get some from trader joe's lol. thank you so much! And yes some parts of my scalp are dryer then others. ear my ears its very dry. Everywhere else its build up or yeast. Im gonna try the drops in the shampoo first see if it works. Do you know how many drops I should put in? Does a little go a long way or do i have to use alot?

Many conditioners are mostly water. That's why water is typically the first ingredient right? So for a 12 ounce bottle I'd put maybe 6 drops TTO. 8 ounces, 4 drops. 1 drop per 2 ounces is probably more than safe a dilution. I think I've read other people put like five drops in a bottle of their conditioner or shampoo to start off with. You don't have to dilute it when you apply directly to skin either, it's just it's so strong concentrated that if you have dry skin you don't want to irritate it. I'd recommend doing a skin test. You know, for like allergies. Swab some diluted onto your arm and see if you have an adverse reaction or not.

If your buildup is really bad and you want to start fresh though, why not just clarify with a shampoo? Sulfates or non sulfate. Just be sure to prepoo first. (I've made this mistake. Prepooing is very important. I did a light prepoo when my stylist accidentally put a product with silicones in my hair the week before the last and my hair was much better the second time. And that was with using a shampoo with sulfates!) Slather the rest of your hair in protective oils like olive or coconut and conditioner an hour before you clarify so it won't dry it out. And then if needed you can deep treat afterwards to restore moisture to your hair. But then the next time you co-wash or low-poo after that, do it with some TTO added in the bottle and see if it makes a difference. And shake the bottle really well after adding the drops of TTO so it'll be well distributed.

Oh and you're so welcome. (You really don't have to go to Trader Joes and get some conditioner either. It's just what worked for me personally. Not trying to push anything.) I really hope it helps with buildup. If it doesn't, you may just need to low poo and clarify more often. So long as you add emollients back into your hair afterwards it should be all right. My hair is more moisturized these days so it bounces back faster.

Yay! Good luck. If it doesn't work for you then come back and let the rest of the board take a stab at it. There are plenty of other ways to treat dry scalp/buildup I'm sure. Also try rubbing aloe or coconut oil into your scalp at night when it's especially irritated. You can always rinse and wash it out in the morning.

its just like if i use a sulfate it cleans my scalp good but dries my hair out. If i use a gentle sulfate or a gentle shampoo with no sulfates it still dries my scalp out. If i cowash then i get flakes and bad build up. I really hope tea tree oil helps

i got tea tree oil from trader joe's and put some in my shampoo. it didnt come out like drops. it kinds poured out. I hope i didnt pour too much into my shampoo lol. its a strong smell. Hopefully it works. I also got tea tree tingle from there too so ill update this soon

Yes, the container does not have a sealed lid with a hole to act as a "dropper". Do you have an eye dropper somewhere in the house you might use? I got one at Walgreens for my lavender oil. It cost around $2. The lavender oil is also anti itch I believe. I put a few drops in boiled water, let cool, then collect in a spray bottle and spray it on my hair and scalp to "refresh" somtimes.

I've heard that you cant put it right on your scalp because it might dry your scalp out more. So I'm kinda scared about using it. I really wanna try it because I have bad build up and I need to try something else without using sulfates or going to the doctor.

i tried to count some drops but it kinda poured in a little but i have a 32 ounce bottle and google stuff says like 1 drop per 2 ounces or something so im good lol i didnt put that much in at all. and thanks I hope it works!

I've heard that you cant put it right on your scalp because it might dry your scalp out more. So I'm kinda scared about using it. I really wanna try it because I have bad build up and I need to try something else without using sulfates or going to the doctor.

sooo i used tea tree tingle and it was amazing. my hair has never looked better. all the white build up is gone from my scalp. no more crap under my nails and no more itchy. I loove tea tree oil. at first my hair wet was a little dry so i was like ew but when it dried omgggg so much shine. my hair has never looked and felt this good. thanks!